Zoltan Bekefy is fascinated by the constant spectacle offered by nature. He has travelled the world with his camera in hand, striving to sublimate the landscapes that he discovers in the course of his unusual journeys. Capturing the essential, his work constitutes a silent report on the beauty of the world, in which simplicity, purity, and minimalism set the tone. Born in 1982, this self-taught photographer launched his career in 2005 by moving to Ireland. This new host country with its expressions of solitude and melancholy inspired the emergence of a dark yet soothing atmosphere in his work. The exclusive use of black and white allows him to play on contrasts in order to add a mysterious or even unreal touch to the images. Major exhibitions have been held in tribute to his work, particularly in Europe (Spain, Hungary, England, Austria, and Poland) and in the United States.
© Zoltan Bekefy
How and when did you become interested in photography?
I’m completely self-taught. I started digital photography in 2005, which eventually changed my perception about the world. I have been tirelessly exploring the scenes of nature near and far, trying to capture those magical moments and transform them into eternal pieces of art. Now I am devoting my passion to landscape and fine art photography. My photography focuses on grand landscapes of oceans, skies and mountains, as well as fine art natural scenes. My ultimate goal is to capture the true beauty of nature around us.
Is there any artist/photographer who inspired your art?
Yes, There are of course. I would mention David Fokos, Michael Kenna and Hengki Koentjoro.
Why do you work in black and white rather than colour?
I love the simplicity and mood that black and white photography gives us. Monochrome images of a scene seem to encapsulate more personal meaning to me.
How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?
Everything starts with travel planning – country, route, best time to travel, everything has to be prepared carefully. Even before I set off, there is a lot to take into consideration, but once I get there things tend to turn out completely differently anyway. The way I usually work is to park my car at a likely location, strap on my backpack, gather my tripod and go for a walk. When I find something that catches my attention then I begin the process of seeing how it will fit into a composition. They say that good things come to those who wait, and that’s very true for landscape photography.
Where is your photography going? What projects would you like to accomplish?
There are number of landscape projects lined up in my wish list. My next location will be Iceland at the end of the year and Vietnam (finger crossed) in early 2017.
Traveling was always my biggest ardor to create. Photography is also means a long journey to me and I am trying to enjoy it as much as I can.
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
© Zoltan Bekefy
